Fact 9: Connection with Other Warts
The human papillomavirus, often abbreviated as HPV, stands as the foundational connection between periungual warts and many other types of warts. HPV is a large family of viruses, with over a hundred different strains. While all warts are caused by HPV, different strains are responsible for various types of warts. For instance, the strains that often lead to the development of periungual warts might differ from those causing genital warts. It’s essential to note that not all HPV strains lead to the development of warts; some are asymptomatic, while others might cause more severe conditions like cervical cancer.
One wart can be the precursor to many if not handled with care. A wart, whether periungual or another type, can release thousands of tiny virus particles. These can easily spread to other areas of the host’s body or even to another person, making them highly contagious. For instance, if a person with a periungual wart uses a towel, and another individual uses the same towel, the virus can potentially transfer. It’s not just about direct touch; the environment around warts, if conducive, can become a breeding ground for the virus.
Plantar warts, predominantly found on the feet’s soles, are another manifestation of HPV. These warts, like their periungual counterparts, can be tough, resilient, and often resist initial treatment efforts. The connection between the two lies in their cause and their nature. Both can be quite painful due to their locations – periungual warts by the nails and plantar warts on the weight-bearing part of the feet. One can imagine the discomfort when pressure is applied, either by wearing shoes or walking.
The spectrum of warts is wide and varied. Flat warts are another category that can be closely related to periungual warts, especially when the latter are left untreated for prolonged periods. Flat warts are typically smaller in size, have a flattened top, and can emerge in clusters. While they can appear anywhere on the body, their presence on the hands can often be traced back to an untreated periungual wart. Flat warts can spread rapidly, often leading to a more widespread outbreak than initially anticipated.
Emerging as tight-knit clusters, mosaic warts are yet another wart type with connections to periungual warts. Found typically on the hands and feet, these clustered warts can be incredibly stubborn. Their growth pattern – in clusters – makes them particularly challenging to treat. Each wart in the cluster might seem like an individual wart, but they often connect under the skin’s surface. This interconnected nature demands a comprehensive treatment approach. The link to periungual warts? Both can be quite resilient and require persistent, often multifaceted, treatment plans. (9)
